Students have rights taken away in Georgia

This will sound simplistic and moronic to the loony left, but you know what, "I don't care". Stop trying to strip God out of the public square! Students in Georgia made signs promoting God and scripture at Football games. Students at Lakeview Fort Oglethorpe led this effort (according to press reports) and as a result they deserve the right to keep their freedom of speech. If the high school students would of held up a sign praising Allah, Zues or anything but the one true God, then their freedom of speech would have been protected.

--A tragic twist--

It seems ironic that Chicago reported a tragic death of an honor student (Christian Science Monitor headline): "Honor student beaten to death: Can Chicago curb youth violence? Derrion Albert was apparently caught in a brawl between two rival student groups as he walked home from Fenger High School. It’s not the city’s first such incident: In 2008, more than 30 students were killed." The death of Mr. Albert is tragic and that's my point. How long can our culture survive if we continue to strip the Bible and it's teachings from the public arena? How long will we allow the small minority to remake the foundations of our nation?
On the same news cycle we see the story headlined below. Can anyone see the connection?????????????


Reported by the Chattanooga Times Free Press

Community members are rallying around Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School cheerleaders after they were banned from displaying signs with Bible verses urging fans and players to “commit to the Lord” and “take courage and do it.”

The banners — the paper ones that football players crash through at the beginning of games — have been common sights in the school’s football stadium since 2003, local officials say.

“The cheerleaders are not trying to push a religious cause, to shove religion down someone’s throat,” said local youth minister Brad Scott, who was LFO High’s class president in 2004. “The cheerleaders are just using Scripture to show motivation and inspiration to the players and the fans.”

Catoosa County Schools spokeswoman Marissa Brower said a Fort Oglethorpe resident lodged a verbal complaint to Superintendent Denia Reese last week, saying that the display of a Bible verse on the football field is a violation of federal law.

9/18/09 At a football game on the school's field, cheerleaders at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School hold up a sign with a Biblical verse on it. After a complaint last week, the school has banned the cheerleaders from using any more signs with religious statements on them, saying it violates the U.S. Constitution.

A school system statement released Monday said the message constitutes “a violation of the First Amendment of the Constitution for signs with Bible verses to be displayed on the football field.”

Mr. Scott said the ban prompted a rally tonight in support of the cheerleaders outside the Chick-fil-A restaurant on Battlefield Parkway so people can show their support for the cheerleaders and their signs.

A Facebook page called “We Support the LFO Cheerleaders! LET THEM HAVE THEIR SIGNS BACK!” also has been established.

Mrs. Reese lends her personal appreciation, if not her official support.

“I regret that we had to ask the LFO cheerleaders to change the signs used in the stadium prior to football games,” Mrs. Reese states. “Personally, I appreciate this expression of their Christian values; however, as superintendent I have the responsibility of protecting the school district from legal action by groups who do not support their beliefs.”

An area outside the stadium has been designated so the signs can be used there, she said.

UPDATE: Georgia: Rally in support of cheerleaders moved to larger site

“I rely on reading the Bible daily, and I would never deny our students the opportunity to express their religious beliefs,” she said. “I appreciate that our community has rallied in support of this LFO tradition.”

Fort Oglethorpe Mayor Ronnie Cobb vehemently disagrees with the ban and said he’ll call on the City Council to support the cheerleaders and their signs.

The signs don’t infringe on anyone’s religious rights and are good for school spirit, he said.

“I’m totally against them doing away with it,” Mr. Cobb said, adding that the cheerleaders’ rights are being abused.

The mayor said football coach John Allen made the signs a tradition around 2003 and it has continued ever since.

“If it’s offensive to anyone, let them go watch another football game,” he said. “Nobody’s forced to come there and nobody’s forced to read the signs.”

Current head football coach Todd Windham said the school system must obey the law, despite everyone’s opinions.

“Just my standpoint, I thought the banners were unique,” Mr. Windham said. “I really feel for the girls who prepare the banners and I think they really do a good job. They prepare a whole season’s worth during the summer and they put in a lot of work on those.”

However, officials say the school system’s position centers on the trust between students’ parents and what the system teaches.

“Families entrust public schools with the education of their children, but condition their trust on the understanding that school activities will not purposely be used to advance religious views that may conflict with their religious beliefs,” the system’s release states. “As a result, the courts prohibit rabbi-led prayers at school sporting events, Wiccan posters in gymnasiums and reading the Quran over the school public announcement system.”

Catoosa officials say the U.S. Supreme Court has “ruled that religious activities at high school football games create the ‘inescapable conclusion’ that the school endorses the religious activity.”

Such violations open the system to “lawsuits resulting in injunctions, unnecessary legal costs and damages that have to be paid by the local taxpayers, and possibly the loss of federal funding,” according to the statement.

Mr. Scott said the “separation of church and state” has nothing to do with cheerleaders who are not “part of the state” and simply want to offer an inspirational message with signs they made on their own time.

Mr. Scott, who ministers to some of the cheerleaders who attend his church, said the most recent sign he saw quoting from Timothy 1:7 could be considered inspirational in many settings.

“All those words; ‘power, love, self-discipline’ can be applied to the game, encourage the players and show school spirit,” he said.

Local resident and 1992 LFO alum Jeremy Jones called the decision “premature.”

“To act on the complaint of one person ... seems premature,” Mr. Jones said. “The cheerleaders have raised their own money for this project and have worked hard to make these signs.”

Several players were upset by the ruling and decided to hold a team prayer after they took the field last week, Mr. Windham said.

“That was something new, but it was something they wanted to do to show support for the cheerleaders,” he said.

Following each game there is a player-led prayer, he said, but under their interpretation of the law, the coaches cannot lead a prayer.

Staff Writer Lyndsey Young contributed to this story.

tax rally in St. Joseph County

---Event this Thursday---

Tax Backlash Rally

Thurs, Oct. 1 at 5:30pm

County-City Building, South Bend

(corner of Jefferson & Lafayette)

This is the day our option tax

DOUBLES

And also the day we start

VOTING THEM OUT.

Walking plans. Candidates. Redistricting.

And info about a special election this Nov. 3.

Speakers. Data. Bring Signs!

Questions? Contact Kelly Havens 272-7606

Woman to appeal denial of same-sex divorc-indy star

Below, you will find an article from the Indy Star. As the article states, "...an appeal in the Indiana case would have to addresss a 1997 law that defines marriage as between a man and a woman and bars recognition of same sex marriage from other states."It will be interesting to see if this case gains traction or dies on the vine.

"Woman to appeal denial of same-sex divorce"

By Jon Murray
Posted: September 25, 2009


A Hoosier woman who entered into a same-sex marriage in Canada plans to appeal a Marion County court's refusal this month to grant the couple a divorce, her attorney says.
Marion Superior Court issued an order Sept. 4 dismissing the separated couple's request for a divorce. Tara Ranzy and Larissa Chism were married in 2005 in Toronto.
They lived in Pennsylvania at the time but since had settled in the South Bend area, and they filed for divorce in Marion County after Ranzy hired an Indianapolis attorney.
Attorney Karen Jensen said today that Ranzy authorized her to file a notice of appeal of the order and pursue the issue at the Indiana Court of Appeals.
The case illustrates the difficulty of divorce for married gay and lesbian couples who live in states that don't recognize same-sex marriages. Their marriages are void at home, and they can't request divorces in Canada or the handful of states that allow same-sex marriages because of residency requirements that require at least one member to live there six months or even longer.
An appeal in the Indiana case would have to address a 1997 Indiana law that defines marriage as between a man and a woman and bars recognition of same-sex marriages from other states.
The court's order, signed by Commissioner Jeffrey Marchal and Judge Heather Welch, says that law bars the court from recognizing Ranzy and Chism's marriage at all, even for purposes of divorce.

Call Star reporter Jon Murray at (317) 444-2752.

God is in Control!

Did you see it! The sunrise was spectacular this morning...Wow!
Only God can create a show like that! The bright colors mixed in with a few clouds, creating a display of art worth more than all the paintings ever sketched on canvass. Unfortunately, it lasts for only a few moments, unfortunately it appears to a few us at a time,however each time we see something like this, our souls have to pause and give glory to our creator.
A terrible thought came over me as I slumbered into my car to go to work,it said,"...it's just another day". However, God displayed "manna" to me this morning. He set my soul on the right path. He knew what my heart needed and as a true God of surprises he gave me a wonderful sunrise that touched my soul. How could I say that any day is "just another" day.
I have to admit that my mind wanders to the political and cultural war that shapes America right now. We see a lunatic in Iran trying to obtain nuclear weapons, Russia is a dominant force again, and our beloved country continues to practice it's assault on the unborn. However, with all of the turmoil that our world faces we can rest on one thing. God, is in control of it all!
I could go on, however the following verse (s) states it like like a work of art. I hope you give glory to our creator today!

Psalm 138 (New International Version)

Psalm 138

Of David.

¹ I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart;
before the "gods" I will sing your praise.

² I will bow down toward your holy temple
and will praise your name
for your love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word.

³ When I called, you answered me;
you made me bold and stouthearted.

⁴ May all the kings of the earth praise you, O LORD,
when they hear the words of your mouth.

⁵ May they sing of the ways of the LORD,
for the glory of the LORD is great.

⁶ Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly,
but the proud he knows from afar.

⁷ Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes,
with your right hand you save me.

⁸ The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your love, O LORD, endures forever—
do not abandon the works of your hands.

Dr. Alveda King to speak at Right to life Dinner tonight

I wanted to advertise an event for the St. Joseph County Right to Life dinner. Below, you will find a copy from the St. Joseph County Right to Life Website.

Dr. Alveda King will be giving the keynote speech It is my hope that the local media will cover the event.

______________________________________________________

Niece of Martin Luther King to Speak at Annual Dinner

Dr. Alveda King, the niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be the keynote speaker at the 18th Annual "Life is Precious" Dinner to be held Thursday, Sept. 24 at the Century Center in South Bend. A victim of abortion, Dr. King now devotes her life to educating people about the tragedy of abortion, especially its impact on the African American community. For reservations, or for information about program advertising, dinner sponsorship, or hosting a table, contact the Right to Life office at 232-5433. Proceeds from the dinner will be used to finance educational media campaigns in St. Joseph County.

Indiana ripping down perfectly good homes!

The letter was delivered to Gov.Daniels in July. Overall, I believe that the Governor has done a good job, however he has a deaf ear at times (or his staff) so I could use your help. As of this writing we have not received any response from the Governor.
The following letter describes waste in regards to the US 31 project. So far we have been fighting the destruction of perfectly good homes to no avail, therefore I could use your help! I ask you to take a few moments and read the letter below and if you are inclined-feel free to send it to your representative.
Gov. Daniels aid is Mr. Eric Holcomb--eholcomb@gov.in.gov

_____________________________________________________________
Mitschelen and Associates
Kevin Mitschelen
21190 W. Johnson Rd.
South Bend, IN 46614
mitschelens-4@sbcglobal.net
574-291-1850
574-876-3526-cell


Governor Daniels:

I would like to thank you for taking a few minutes of your time regarding a policy that INDOT has in place for the seizure of property and the removal of structures in the way of the U.S. 31 highway project.

In years past, the department would give the original owners of such structures the chance to buy back their homes or buildings for removal. If they declined, the department would then hold public auctions in which citizens would be able to buy these structures. For decades this practice has allowed many structures to be saved by moving and/or salvaging them. This in turn has provided many benefits, including:

-The state spending less on the cost of demolition for removal. (This is simple math - instead of demolishing the entire structure, only its foundations would require removal.)
-By saving the house, the state would receive future property taxes over the life of the house. (Again, this is simple math - property taxes would be paid for decades to come.)
-Less construction waste, which would result in less negative environmental impact. As you are aware, construction waste (including demolition) accounts for 1/4 of what goes into landfills. (Your administration can show ingenuity here by thinking "outside the box" to reduce negative environmental impact.)
-Future homeowners would benefit (with a higher equity in their home).
-Basement plumbers, electricians and contractors would benefit (through the creation of such jobs in the private market).

I had the opportunity to run against Pat Bauer for State Representative in South Bend last year, so an invitation to the groundbreaking of the U.S. 31 project (near Lakeville) was extended to me. As stated in the ceremony, "...this is a very large project." Due to its massive scale and the number of people affected, I would ask that you and your administration consider the 5 points mentioned above.

For decades the policy of holding public auctions to remove structures has seen great success. However, just this last year, the state of Indiana demolished perfectly good homes instead of moving them, as a part of the Capital Ave. expansion project (S.R. 331). This policy has also spread throughout the state.

In recent press conferences you have supported Indiana taking the lead in both recycling and "green" construction. Frankly, I can't think of any bigger recycling project than saving a house from the landfill.

For the past two years, we have received a polite, yet frustrating response from several officials in the INDOT's LaPorte district as well as from within Indianapolis; we are therefore asking for your involvement.

At this point we have established correspondence with Representative Jackie Walorski, House Minority Leader Brian Bosma, Congressman Joe Donnelly and Indiana's Lieutenant Governor's office regarding the matter, and we have also sent repeated letters to INDOT officials. Rep. Walorski introduced HB 1475 which asked for a reversal of the current policy, yet it was killed in committee in 2009. Rep. Bosma wrote a letter of support for the bill as well. However, I am growing more and more confident that my state officials (with the exception of Reps. Walorski and Bosma) are content with sending us on one wild goose chase after another until all of the homes for the U.S. 31 project have been destroyed.

The U.S. 31 project will affect over 400 structures. As stated above, this is obviously a large-scale project with both environmental and financial implications; we therefore ask for your help in reversing INDOT's current policy and establishing guidelines to save as many structures as possible.


Sincerely,

Kevin Mitschelen
Lewis Mitschelen (Owner of Mitschelen and Associates)

Is it 600,000 or 700,000 dollars?

According to the South Bend Tribune. The city (of South Bend) has found a way to keep code enforcement staff members working 40-hour weeks next year..." The Tribune continues,"Starting next year,Mayor Stephen Luecke had said code enforcement inspectors would be forced to work 32 hours as a cost-cutting measure, in the wake of state-enacted property tax cuts. But city controller Gregg Zientara said about 100,000 in uncommitted capital funds was found and will be allocated to code enforcement's payroll account."
As Joan Rivers would say, "Can we talk." My goodness, the city 'just' found 100,000 dollars. What the heck! Can you imagine 'just' finding 100,000 dollars in your bank account. Wouldn't it be great to live in the same la la land that our South Bend politician and bureaucrats live in.

Unfortunately the South Bend Tribune glosses over this with an extremely mild question for the city controller. They ask, "...how much in uncommitted capital funds was found altogether,and how much might remain." The answer, "Zientara said he did not know an exact figure, but estimated it could be 600,000 or 700,000."Look, I'm not a trained reporter, but the tribune doesn't say anything about a followup question.
Unbelievable-The City Controller doesn't know if the fund has 600,000 or 700,000 dollars and he doesn't get a follow up from that kind of response . Had you or I been there, we would have asked, " So Mr. City Controller, the difference of 100,000 is a lot of money, is it closer to 700,000 or is it closer to 600,000?" Or how about this, "The Mayor said he was going to cut the program and the staff to 32 hours which is still full time; why the shift?" Instead, the article talks about the relief the director has with finding the "new" money.
Earlier, I said that our politicians live in a la la land and I meant it. This article hits home with me. Yesterday, I had to walk up to a worker within my department and state to that person that we could no longer use her service to the company. Due to budget constraints within the department we had to let her go. That's real! That's hard! That's responsible behavior and the City of South Bend has this idea that they can spend like drunken sailors with your tax money. Do to budget constraints the citizens of St.Joseph County bailed out the City of South Bend via a higher tax rate from our pay checks. Well, as a citizen of St. Joseph County and a working taxpayer I am asking the City to stop blaming the State of Indiana for their fiscal irresponsibility and be accountable. There's change we can believe in!

Gifts given to Indiana Lawmakers

We need reform in the Indiana State House.

We need accountability from our state reps and senators. Normally, I am against regulations, however the 'regulators' need to regulate themselves.
Why is it that state law does not require lawmakers to report all gifts? I can understand a few items such as a hat, coffee mug, pencils, cards, etc from thankful citizens. However, the gift giving to Legislatures in Indiana must change.
I remember running a few years ago as a candidate for the Indiana State House and I received a really nice gift. An organization held a dinner at the South Bend Country Club for prospective candidates. This was no ordinary dinner. We were treated with prime rib and a four star service for myself and my wife. The only catch- we had to listen to their 20 minute presentation concerning the importance of eye glasses. Kind of boring, but the prime rib was excellent. As a candidate I accepted no other gifts to sway my potential vote and today,I regret taking the prime rib dinner.
According to the Indy Star, "The law requires disclosure of any gift to a legislator in excess of $100 in a day, or $500 during the reporting period." Remember, State law says that gifts like that can go unreported.That's a lot of grub; at a really nice place. If our government officials want to be transparent, then they must change the law. With the example of the prime rib dinner, the organization never supplied a receipt, therefore it would be impossible to report the true cost of the dinner.
If I would have been elected, do you think that this organization would have reminded me of the great dinner we had before the election? You bet!
How many votes are being cast by organizations buying legislatures with Pacer tickets, Indy 500 tickets, Colts tickets or a night on the town for a return on their investment via voting "their" way.
The total dollars reported by state lawmakers equals 24 million. Can you imagine what you can get with that kind of money. The bigger problem-how many gifts went unreported! Most of the gifts came in small packages making it hard to trace, therefore making one wonder whats really going on in Indy.

Included is a report provided by INDYSTAR.com. The numbers below reflect the Speaker of the Indiana House and the gifts he received. I would encourage you to go to the website and check out your rep.

Lobbyists and the Legislature

Click here to load this Caspio Bridge DataPage.

Direct gifts to individual lawmakers

The law requires disclosure of any gift to a legislator in excess of $100 in a day, or $500 during the reporting period. These are often defined in the reports as "expenditures" in the overall data, rather than as gifts, so The Star looked through every report in order to tally these results.

Chamber	Legislator	Lobbyist	Description of gift	Value of gift
House	Bauer, B. Patrick (D-South Bend)	AT&T	Democratic National Convention	$108.03
House	Bauer, B. Patrick (D-South Bend)	Baker & Daniels	Dinner with family	$234.78
House	Bauer, B. Patrick (D-South Bend)	Indiana Motor Truck Association	Meals and travel costs	$840.77
House	Bauer, B. Patrick (D-South Bend)	Roche Diagnostics	Hotel for two nights to President Obama's inauguration	$1,142.72
House	Bauer, B. Patrick (D-South Bend)	Indiana Motor Truck Association	Meals, airfare, hotel	$2,896.75
House	Bauer, B. Patrick (D-South Bend)		Total for Rep. B. Patrick Bauer	$5,223.05

Records 1-6 of 6

Note: State law does not require all gifts to legislators to be reported. For example, if a legislator attends a reception to which all members of the General Assembly were invited, the cost of that meal would not be listed in these records.

Redistricting in Indiana. Why should you care?

I know- redistricting is a snore. Who wants to follow a bunch of silly lines drawing out a map for future elections. Well, those boring lines make up an important part of Indiana's political makeup. Anyone that has ever seen a Indiana House or Senate district has to wonder the logic to the wild puzzle. It's simple-politics. Why does B. Patrick Bauer win every election for the last 40 years? Is he that charismatic? Is he a champion of the people? Hardly,instead he understands the simple process of drawing a line in the right place.
Every district has been manipulated to "stack the deck" thus making sure the one in power stays in power. The Indiana Secretary of State has made a proposal concerning those lines, so here are a few quotes from the Indy Star news.
"Under the status quo, politicians choose their voters," said Justin Levitt, counsel at the nonpartisan Brennan Center for Justice. He will be among those testifying at a legislative hearing this month on the topic. "When politicians get together to draw the lines, they can change who's grouped together in a district. They can change who wins."Under the status quo, politicians choose their voters," said Justin Levitt, counsel at the nonpartisan Brennan Center for Justice. He will be among those testifying at a legislative hearing this month on the topic. "When politicians get together to draw the lines, they can change who's grouped together in a district. They can change who wins."
It's refreshing to see Todd Rokita come up with a plan to change the status quo. Not sure if it will go anywhere, but one can hope.

A few other posts for 9/11 ceremonies:

Outdoor 9-11 Patriotic Service, music and special readings, 6:30-8 p.m. Friday; Willow Creek United Methodist Church Valley Retreat, 14010 E. Jefferson Hwy., South Bend. Popcorn, lemonade and ice tea provided. Bring lawn chairs/blanket. Also consider bringing non-perishable food items for Mac food pantry.

Family and Friends Day, morning service, 11 a.m. Sunday; program, 3 p.m. Sunday; Olivet African Methodist Episcopal Church, 719 N. Notre Dame Ave., South Bend. A dinner will follow the 11 a.m. service.

9/11 Memorials in Michiana

Taken from the South Bend Tribune---

9/11 events planned throughout Michiana

Tribune Staff Report

Several local events are planned today to mark the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

'Ringing of Bell' at St. Pat's park

SOUTH BEND — At 9 a.m. today, Clay Fire Territory will perform the "Ringing of the Bell" ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial in St. Patrick's County Park.

A memorial sculpture there commemorates the events of that day, and the site is a place for quiet contemplation.

The park is on Laurel Road north of Auten Road. For more information, call (574) 277-4828.

9/11 and safety subject of talk

SOUTH BEND — Dan Lindley, associate professor of political science at Notre Dame, will talk about "9/11 — The 8th Anniversary: Are We Safer Now?" at 11:30 a.m. today at South Bend Chocolate Cafe, 122 S. Michigan St.

The event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters.

Patriot Day event set at Seitz Park

SOUTH BEND — A Patriot Day ceremony to honor the memory of those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, will begin at 5 p.m. today at the Fallen Firefighters Memorial at Seitz Park on the East Race.

The South Bend Fire Department Honor Guard will lead the ceremony to honor the victims and heroes of the 9/11 attacks.

Pax Christi plans candlelight vigil

NILES — Victims of the 9/11 attacks will be in the prayers of participants at a candlelight vigil at 8:15 p.m. today on the boat dock at Riverfront Park downtown.

Arranged by members of Pax Christi Southwest Michigan, the ecumenical service will include a brief period of prayer and song.

More information can be obtained at (269) 683-5474.

VFW candlelight memorial service

SOUTH BEND — Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9820 will conduct a candlelight Everlasting Memorial Service at 7 p.m. today at the post at 4829 Linden Ave., South Bend.

For more information, call (574) 237-9820.

VFW, AMVETS plan tribute at post

ROLLING PRAIRIE — Members of VFW Post 9423 and AMVETS Post 911 will pay tribute to comrades and first responders who died in the terrorist attacks.

The ceremony begins at 6 p.m. today around the front flagpole at the post at 4202 N. 400 E., Rolling Prairie.

Blue Laws

Something to watch at the state level. The South Bend Tribune reported on a committee to revisit the "blue law" in Indiana. At this time a person cannot purchase alcohol on Sunday from a store. Some variables have been accepted over the years for eating establishments and taverns. Some interesting quotes were included with their report.
You can purchase alcoholic beverages on Sunday now by the drink at bars, taverns, restaurants and sporting events," said Grant Monahan, a spokesman for the Indiana Retail Council. "So it's not that people aren't consuming alcoholic beverages on Sunday. They very much are. We want the ability for our customers to have convenience and to be able to purchase alcoholic beverages for consumption at home."

But that idea isn't finding favor with some smaller retailers.

"Really, what this is about is big guy versus little guy," said Ray Cox, with the Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers.

In my humble opinion. The committee needs to leave this one and get to more important issues.

Obama's "town hall" before congress

The president said some strong statements last night at his "town hall for congress" while making a point to stare down the Republicans. Let me get out the transcript,

"Some of people's concerns have grown out of bogus claims spread by those whose only agenda is to kill reform at any cost. The best example is the claim made not just by radio and cable talk show hosts, but by prominent politicians, that we plan to set up panels of bureaucrats with the power to kill off senior citizens. Now, such a charge would be laughable if it weren't so cynical and irresponsible. It is a lie, plain and simple. (Applause.)

There are also those who claim that our reform efforts would insure illegal immigrants. This, too, is false. The reforms -- the reforms I'm proposing would not apply to those who are here illegally.

AUDIENCE MEMBER: You lie! (Boos.)

THE PRESIDENT: It's not true. And one more misunderstanding I want to clear up -- under our plan, no federal dollars will be used to fund abortions, and federal conscience laws will remain in place. (Applause.)

I welcome the congressman who stood up and had the courage to say that the "emperor has no clothes".The tone of the meeting at that time reminded of a school teacher scolding a child. In my opinion Mr. Obama was fortunate that the GOP didn't walk out. The President and the Democrats have been speaking about 47 million "Americans" without health insurance. To get at that number they have to include illegal immigrants. Therefore the president has contradicted himself and he needs to apologize or "to make himself perfectly clear" of his intentions. The other charge of "death panels" has some merit, however the Government will have to pick and choose who will receive treatment. I would not like to have a government bureaucrat decide my fate if I was stricken by a fatal disease. Would you?

Plain and simple-without the bull. It was a partisan speech with no grasp of the future consequences that our nation faces if the bill passes.

I would like to see this site be a place for conservatives to post legit commentary on recent news.
Feel free to write to mitschelens-4@sbcglobal.net

Tea Party

----Speech given at a local Tea Party----

We are here today because we love our town, our state, and our country. Since the Declaration of Independence from The United Kingdom we have cherished our freedom and liberties through the rule of law. The generation of Samuel Adams,John Adams and John Hancock understood governments role in society. The original Tea party held in 1773 was a legitimate reaction to the British Government overreaching with the Stamp act, Townsend acts,Boston Massacre and finally an attempt by the British Crown to monopolize a staple of their economy- tea. Those acts flamed the American Revolution bringing liberty not just to our shores,but around the world for generations following.
We as citizens of The United states share a rich history, as a people of faith willing to take on the role of government at the federal,state and local levels. We come today because we recognize that great heritage and blessings bestowed by our creator and generations of self sacrifice. It is our intention to extend those liberties to future generations as well. Our peaceful protest is as loud as the Liberty Bell-calling calling free men and women everywhere to assemble.
. We have been blessed through the rule of law- through the constitution,bill of rights, states rights, local governing bodies and the Almighty's hand which protects you and this nation from calamity. We have been blessed with ancestors that have tried to make this country a "shining city on a hill" as a beacon of freedom throughout the world. In the past, when our Federal, State or Local governments overreached their power, other branches of government sought to stop that abuse and we should be grateful for it.

We have heard the word "crisis" for many months and we can see fear spreading like a disease throughout the world.Many have lost their jobs and wonder where their future lies.It is my hope that our nation will turn back to the almighty, the creator of Heaven and Earth. Every generation in America has been given a crisis, however freedom remained due to our loyalties to our inner faith and rule of law. I believe with all my heart that the real crisis in this generation isn't the economic downturn. Instead, it is our Federal governments overreaching for power, trying to centralize every decision from Washington D.C.
Ronald Reagan stated it best , "The most terrifying words in the English Language are: "I'm from the government and I'm here to help." Just within a few months the Federal government has taken control of our banks and our automobile industry all in the name of trying to protect us. By the end of this year we will see the federal government trying to seize control over our medical industry and energy companies as well. Where does it end?
Remember this time tested statement, " the borrower is slave to the lender." The Congress and the Executive branch of the federal government is acting like a gracious or benelovent benefactor for the people. Trust me on this; as we have already seen with large corporations forfeiting their futures for a loan to stave off bankuptcy- the Federal Government has demanded repayment in treating the once strong and independant firms as mere serfs before a mighty king.I realize the bonus situation with AIG is unpopular. However, do you want the Federal government threatening a 90% tax on your revenue or the executive branch firing your CEO? The Federal Government under the constitution was never designed to pick winners and losers in the market place.The market place will pick those winners all by itself.
If the Federal Government can do this to GM or AIG, will they have the audacity to treat our state governors in the same vain? What loyalty will the Federal government demand from our nations governors as the stimulus money is handed out. As I stand here, I believe that the real issue is our freedom and that we must stop our representatives from overeaching authority which is derived from the people.
Thomas Jefferson wrote, "Government big enough to supply everything is big enough to take everything you have...The course of history shows that as government grows liberty decreases."

In a moment of crisis a few have decided to run towards big government for solutions and as a result we see shades of socialism take root in our culture. Socialism is not a friend to the people, it will enslave its people only to profit big government, therefore destroying the republic!

I believe that this congress and the executive branch seek a radical agenda with your money. Words mean things so let me give you a few quotes. Rahm Emanuel, the presidents chief of staff stated the now familiar quote, "You never want a serious crisis to go to waste". The president when traveling to Europe stated at a press conference concerning our economic crisis, "I think it is sometimes important to step back and just have some perspective about the differences between now and the great Depression when there were no safety nets in place; when unemployment was 25 to 30 percent. This is a difficult time, but its not what happened to our grandparents generation." So I have to ask the question; why put our nation in jeopardy, transform the market place and bloat the size of the federal government if its not necessary.

In the beginning of the speech I told you about the great heritage we have been given by our ancestors, those in charge see America's history in a different light. Not a "shining city on a hill" but one that must be transformed to resemble a "womb to the tomb" mentality of government control.

As new programs and bloated pork barrel projects pass through congress, we have seen unparalleled debt. As I prepared for the speech I had to constantly adjust my numbers due to the national debts rapid increase in just a few short weeks. Anything I write down will be incorrect due to their lack of responsibility. We have seen past Presidents and Congress spend like drunken sailors before, however this record of spending threatens our sovereign nation as a whole. Let me give you a snap shot of some numbers from the Heritage Foundation.
*In the last 8 years the federal government expanded the federal budget by a historic 700 billion through 2008. Our current president and congress would add another trillion.
*Our former president (Bush) created a Medicare drug entitlement that will cost an estimated 800 billion in its first decade.Our current president has proposed a 634 billion down payment on a new government health care fund.
*Our former president increased federal education spending by 58 percent faster than inflation. Our current president would double it.
*Our former president became the first president to spend 3 % of the GDP on federal antipoverty programs. Our current president has already increased this spending by 20 %.
* Our former president and congress presided over a 2.5 trillion increase in the public debt through 2008.Setting aside 2009, President Obama's budget would add 4.9 trillion in public debt from the beginning of 2010 through 2016.
It doesn't matter if you are a Republican or Democrat;it is clear that we are in a sea of red ink! To quote the Heritage foundation again,"Under the current administration and congress we have seen the deficit quadruple, so pledging to halve the deficit by 2013 is hardly ambitious."
The Federal government has decided to borrow our money and give our grandchildren a crushing debt in which it will be difficult to repay. The trillions of dollars incurred in the last few months are staggering and I am sure very few know the exact figures in which you are being asked to repay. It is hard to keep track of all the promises our congress and president has made since January. The Federal government is taking your money and acting like it's theirs while turning around to seize control over your industustries all in the name of helping you. This "pondsey" scheme is worse than Bernie Madoff could ever imagine.

Our founding fathers understood governments potential to subdue its citizens. This is why they set a foundation of checks and balances. They understood that power given to only a few can result in tyranny.

I believe that Washington D.C. has lost its mind. Fortunately, the great state of Indiana still has a few patriots with the full knowledge of their limitations. Unfortunately, we have those in power in Indianapolis with the intent to promote big government, therefore limiting our freedom in our daily lives. It is my opinion that the State of Indiana should say thanks but no thanks to the stimulus money offered by the federal Government. Through sound fiscal policy we can weather the storm. The Hoosier state has shown its ability to tighten its fiscal belt, putting the budget in the black. Instead of accepting the stimulus money, the state government should create incentives for start up businesses through less regulation, less taxation and streamlining government. However hard decisions would have to be made and our dependence on government programs would make some politicians unpopular. That's the problem, we must hire public servants instead of mere politicians!
The Indiana House Majority Leader repeatedly states that "jobs" should be the main issue. He's right- jobs are the main issue so the state should get out of the way and let the people begin to create the jobs.

Our biggest problem does not stem from less regulation. Try to start a business and you will find that your first enemy is your state and federal governments through costly regulations. Many in government have noble intentions. However the state and federal government was not designed to take care of its citizens from birth to death. Its main responsibility is to establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare and secure liberty.

We have a long way to go after this meeting. We must tell our neighbors and friends, demanding that our representatives be held accountable for their irresponsibility. We must also seek to reform our curriculum in our schools, so the next generation will not make the same mistakes as this one. I am a graduate of our local public school system.They had me for 12 years and you would think that in that amount of time the curriculum would have given me a thorough knowledge of the U.S.Constitution. To the best of my knowledge the curriculum never called for it. Oh well, it's just the most important document in our country. After 12 years I should have had the document memorized. As an American Citizen I challenge all of us to go back and read it over and over again. Its that important.

To end our conversation, I bring you a quote from Samuel Adams. It is fitting to quote Mr. Adams since he played a large role in the original Tea Party held in 1773. He states, "If you love wealth better than liberty, the traquility of servitude better than animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or your arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May the chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen."
Today we protest as free men and women, if we do not make our voices heard; soon we will be as Samuel Adams suggested- mere servants to an overpowering government.
This country is called many things around the world. Those that despise our country mock our freedoms and they wish we would join in their misery. However, we must stand as a beacon of light to the world. Showing the nations that our constitution works and the government is a tool of the people. Unfortanatly, those freedoms are slipping right before our eyes. This should be our wake up call!
We are known as a nation of the free and the brave. Today, we must be brave. Today, we must stand against an over-zealous congress trying to support every federal government program imagined and we must make our representatives listen and heed our warnings to reduce the deficit, reform the tax code and stop the move toward socialism - thus sending our children and grandchildren into bondage.
If you have been involved with politics, then I encourage you to dig deeper. If you are waking up to the fight of freedom then make yourself available.
One last quote by Samuel Adams. He states, " It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in peoples minds." In your tireless efforts remember that you speak for freedom and that you actually represent the silent majority in this country. That majority can no longer afford to remain silent!
Make no mistake, today we are sending a message around the world that we cherish freedom. I encourage you to remain vigilant!
May God bless you, may God bless this state and may God bless this great country.